World Cup Final: Leverkusen’s Palacios on the bench as Argentina face Spain | OneFootball

Spain head into the showpiece on the back of an outstanding semi-final display, comfortably defeating tournament favourites France 2-0 thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. La Roja are now aiming to lift the World Cup for only the second time in their history, having previously been crowned champions in South Africa in 2010.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with the side that impressed against France, naming an unchanged starting XI. Former RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo once again starts in the attacking midfield role.

Argentina secured their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England on Wednesday, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the decisive goal. The reigning world champions are now chasing a fourth World Cup crown, having most recently lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022.

Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to his starting lineup, with Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás González all returning to the XI. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios is among the substitutes.

Confirmed lineups

Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón (GK) – Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Fabián Ruiz – Yamal, Olmo, Baena – Oyarzabal

Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martínez (GK) – Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico – De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Nicolás González – Álvarez, Messi